Braces For Kids

& ORTHODONTICS FOR KIDS

Dr. Matsumoto and our team turn little smiles into big, beautiful, healthy smiles!

A lifetime of confident smiles begins here. With interceptive orthodontics, we detect, treat and prevent issues before they progress to a severe state.

What is the best age to get braces or Invisalign?

The AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) recommends that children receive their first orthodontic evaluation at age 7.

Orthodontic treatment is most efficient when the jaw bones are still growing, because it allows us to intervene with problematic conditions while they’re still developing.

Age 7 sounds young, we know, but this doesn’t mean that orthodontic treatment will begin at this age. Dr. Matsumoto is your highly-experienced children’s orthodontist in Porters Neck, Wilmington, here to listen to your concerns and help you choose the right path for your child.

Not every child needs early orthodontics, but those who do will benefit for a lifetime.

Does my child need braces or Invisalign?

If you notice any of the following signs in your child, orthodontics could be life-changing for your child.

Early intervention can allow us to prevent the need for tooth extractions and/or jaw surgery, in many cases.

Lack of self esteem or confidence when smiling
Inability or difficulty to bite into food or chew properly
Digestive issues caused by improper chewing
Early, late or irregular loss of baby teeth
Crooked, crowded or gapped teeth
Some speech difficulties
Biting the cheeks or the roof of the mouth

Grinding or clenching of teeth
Teeth that are blocked and cannot erupt.
Thumb sucking / finger sucking
Jaw pain or facial pain
Difficult or pain when chewing or biting
Persistent mouth breathing

The best way to know whether your child will benefit from treatment is by visiting our experienced, board-certified kids’ orthodontist, Dr. Matsumoto, for a complimentary consultation!

Our Goal with Early Orthodontic Treatment

Through early treatment, we aim to:

Improve self-image / self-esteem.
Guide proper development of your child’s jaw bones
Ensure that the upper and lower dental arches are wide enough to fit all of the permanent teeth
Prevent or reduce facial asymmetries (asymmetric growth)
Prevent the teeth from crowding or being blocked out
Prevent the need for more severe treatment methods (such as jaw surgery or extractions) in the future
Correct damage from thumb sucking to improve speech, chewing function and appearance
Guide permanent teeth to proper positions
Decrease the risk of trauma to protruding teeth

Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment

Early orthodontic treatment is most effective when separated into two phases, designed to work in tandem with the natural development of the teeth and jaw bones.

What is Phase 1 treatment?

Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is typically completed between the ages of 5 and 12. The purpose of this treatment is to establish a strong foundation with a sufficient amount of space for permanent teeth to emerge in alignment.

If your child’s palate (upper arch) is too narrow, this will be apparent during this time. The palatal expander appliance is often used during phase 1 to widen the upper jaw, creating enough space for all permanent teeth to fit in the mouth without crowding or overlapping.

If your child has a severe “underbite” (the lower teeth being ahead of the upper teeth), orthopedic correction of this problem with the use of a face mask is most effective at this stage.

What is Phase 2 treatment?

In most cases, phase 2 treatment will begin in the early teen years, when all (or most) baby teeth are lost, and all (or most) permanent teeth have fully emerged.

During this phase, we focus on the final position of all the teeth and jaw bones. Full orthodontic treatment with braces, Invisalign or Brius. First is often completed to establish a harmonious, proportionate facial appearance and to position the teeth in a straight and beautiful alignment.

Set Your little one up for a lifetime of confidence.

If you have any questions about early orthodontic treatment or your kiddo’s smile, please reach out to us.

Dr. Matsumoto is your kids’ orthodontist, here to guide you through the process. We go above-and-beyond to ensure that you and your little one feel confident and comfortable starting treatment.

Book your child’s complimentary consultation at our Porters Neck orthodontic office in Wilmington!